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Ramping up learning at BV-Wyanet

STEM activity teaches science, energy and more

WYANET — Bureau Valley Wyanet students participated in their quarterly STEM activity last week, which was organized by Principal Kristal LeRette.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Using blocks, a ramp, a toy car and unifix cubes, students were challenged to measure the distance of their cars after rolling them down ramps to see just how much farther they would go as the ramps were raised higher each time.

While the experiment seemed simple, LeRette provided a list of lessons the students were getting in the 45-minute instruction period.

“The kids not only learn about science and potential and kinetic energies, but also teamwork and cooperation and patience,” she said.

“They learn it’s OK to take chances and fail, they’re learning communication, how to make a hypothesis and much more.”

[BCR photo/Goldie Rapp]

Ryan Williams (left) and Paityn Johnson use unifix cubes to measure the distance of their group's car after it had traveled from the top of a three-block ramp.

[BCR photo/Goldie Rapp]

Jessica Lundeen (left), Abby Stabler (center) and Kylie Endress (right) watch their car as it travels down a two-block ramp.